In 2007, upon the retirement of his father Guy, he turned his artistic passion toward the family business.
The Castagnier family business is wine. Their domaine is located in Burgundy, just south of Dijon in central France. Burgundy is the spiritual home of the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir grapes which are used to produce some of the world’s most famous and highly priced wines.
Jerome now shares his time between directing Domaine Castagnier's winemaking and conducting a respected Burgundy-based orchestra that plays at venues throughout the region including at the Chateau Clos de Vougeot, Burgundy’s most famous castle.
The chateau was built in 1551 by the monks who farmed the vineyards and produced wine of serious reputation.
Today it is still in great condition and is used for many events. If you are in Burgundy it is certainly worth a visit.
Burgundy is a traditional area with many family holdings going back five or even 10 generations. The last decade has seen many changes with the younger generation taking over from their parents.
These “wine kids” have been to wine school, travelled the world and helped make wines in all corners of the globe. They understand tradition and innovation and combine both to make exceptional wines.
Domaine Castagnier’s new found success can be attributed to Jerome's ability to utilize the wonderful vineyards assembled by his maternal grandfather Gilbert Vadey.
Numerous well-sited parcels in the Cote de Nuits were purchased following World War II. The domaine owns Grand Cru vineyards in Clos de la Roche, Clos-St-Denis, Charmes-Chambertin and Clos Vougeot.
There are also charming villages wines from Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny. Many have very old vines. In addition, Jerome's negociant arm bottles some serious whites.
The domaine has taken off since Jerome took over the reins and today it is on all Burgundy aficionados watch-list.
Whilst Burgundy is never cheap, Castagnier’s wines offer some of the best value for money in this region of France where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rule. They are worth looking out for!
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Darren Harris is managing director of Grand Millesime, specialist importers of fine French Wine.
